Denmark's new foreign minister, Kristian Jensen, told his German counterpart that the country intends to impose border controls but within the rules governing the passport-free Schengen area, the Foreign Ministry said, confirming an earlier report.

Denmark imposed controls in 2011 for several months between Jutland, the only part of Denmark connected to continental Europe, and Germany, checking some cars but not passports. The European Union nevertheless complained.

The imposition of border controls, to restrict illegal immigration and smuggling, had been a key demand of the right-wing Danish People's Party (DF) during coalition talks.

The center-right Liberals party formed a government by themselves over the weekend after coalition talks collapsed but with just 34 seats out of 179 in parliament, the cabinet will be heavily dependent on DF in passing legislation.

DF's other demands have been curbs on immigration and a referendum on whether Denmark should stay within the EU, once Britain conducts its vote by the end of 2017.

It also wants higher state spending, contrary to its other right-wing policies.